Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Richie
 
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Original Message Feb 16, 2005 12:40 pm |
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At least Briggs has all this in writing on their website it you know enough to look for it. Obviously Tecumseh and any other engine manufacturer follows this same rating procedure. Pretty lousy numbers when you think about gross HP as opposed to BHP that we are really concerned with. Still, they don't mention if this rating system takes into account the very lean EPA carburetors, so I'd have to say no, which means its even worse. If you look at the last paragraph that I highlighted in RED, this supposedly 8 hp engine I have that is run in ACTUAL conditions and NOT in optimum laboratory conditions, has a pitiful rating, as do all of our engines. Horsepower Ratings The power ratings shown with the individual engine series on the preceding pages are established in accordance with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code J1940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure) (Proposed Revision 2001-09). Power curve and engine performance data are obtained in accordance with SAE J1349 (Net) or J1995 (Gross) Engine Power Test Codes. In accordance with SAE J1349 (Net) or J1995 (Gross) Engine Power Test Codes, power curves are developed from laboratory test engines and are corrected to standard conditions which are: | Altitude: 100 meters (328 ft) | Ambient Temperature: 77 F (25 C) |
If the engine will be operated under ambient conditions different from above standard conditions, the following factors should be accounted for in estimating "on site" power output: | Engine power will decrease 3.5% for each 1000 ft (300 m) above sea level and 1% for each 10 F (5.6 C) above standard temperature of 60 F (15.6 C). |
The actual "on site" power output will also vary depending on other factors including the manner in which the engine is operated, the fuel that is used, and the application in which it is installed. The "Maximum BHP" curve represents maximum performance output of optimum laboratory test engines of a particular model. A statistical mean of production engines, with 95% confidence, will develop no less than 85% of the Maximum BHP when tested after run-in to reduce friction and after clean-out of combustion chamber, with valves, carburetor and ignition systems adjusted to laboratory standards. The "Recommended Maximum Operating BHP" is a calculated curve and represents 85% of the maximum BHP curve. For practical operation, BHP load and speed should be within the limits shown in the "Recommended Maximum Operating BHP" curve. If the maximum speed of the engine specified for a given application is governed to a speed less than the speed at which the Maximum BHP occurs, the engine will not achieve the Maximum BHP in that application. For applications requiring operation at other than the recommended engine speeds, complete details of the proposed engine installation should be referred to the factory for evaluation.
Source: Briggs & Stratton Technical/Warranty
http://www.commercialpower.com/display/router.asp?DOCID=76491
This message was modified Feb 16, 2005 by Richie
Richie
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Richie
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Reply #3 Feb 16, 2005 4:16 pm |
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Thanks Ben. Any way you look at it, no matter what size engine you buy, as long as the manufacturers are allowed to rate the engines in this way, you most certainly should forget whatever HP rating they give it. I can only say that I am very happy I didn't spend the extra $400.00 for the 11 HP OHV engine for my model.
This message was modified Feb 16, 2005 by Richie
Richie
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Ben07
The more you know about something, the more you find there is to know.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Joined: Feb 26, 2004
Points: 178
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Re: Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Reply #6 Feb 16, 2005 5:26 pm |
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No problem Richie, I believe you got another Bullseye on that briggs post, Right over the first Bullseye on the Lawnboy disclaimer. Shootin one Bullseye thru another, where I come from is called "shootin Tacks". Tacks are sharp. Ben
Ariens 8524LE, Toro CCR2000, Jacobsen S-B S-blowers, Generac 10hp Gen-convt. to N.G., 5 L-boys(D's F's &Dura( 74,77,80,88,00), Antiq. 1960 AYP 20 in. mag w 3.5 Tech mower. Ryan/Ryobi gas Trim. AYP 205 gas blwr. Mac c-saw,Toro E-blwr, 2 Weed-E e. stg. trims. outboards, boats, util trail, 2 Jeeps
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snowshoveler
tides in dirts out surfs up
Location: bridgewater nova scotia...aka the swamp
Joined: Jan 3, 2003
Points: 1261
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Re: Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Reply #7 Feb 16, 2005 5:42 pm |
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youn will loose some ponies with altitude yes . but you will also notice horsepower numbers are taken at 60 degrees...not much need for a snowblower then. at realistic temp you will actually be making up for some lost power...when its cold the air is denser and you get a better burn. the engines are also rated with all there emmisions carbs and if muffler has a calalyst in it then it must be installed. most engines are tested without a muffler...or with a stack. any questions. later chris
craftsman 10/28 snowblower with tracks husky 372xpg chainsaw sachs dolmar bc212 bushsaw mondo trimmer monster tractor with trailer cheep wheelbarro and couple shovels and a partridge in a pear tree
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Richie
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Reply #8 Feb 16, 2005 8:02 pm |
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the engines are also rated with all there emmisions carbs and if muffler has a calalyst in it then it must be installed. most engines are tested without a muffler...or with a stack. Hi Chris, For the first time in over two years I've known you on Abby's I have to disagree with you  With the pain staking research I've done in the last few weeks, I've come to realize one thing with these engine manufacturers; don't take anything for granted with them. Unless I actually see an engine performance chart stating in the fine print that those charts reflect the emission carburetors, I just can't swallow it. I don't recall if you saw another disclaimer on one of the other threads I posted on, but just in case, look below at one of LawnBoy's 6.5 HP walk behind mowers. * This engine was manufactured and laboratory rated by the Tecumseh Power Company at 6.5 gross horsepower in accordance with SAE J1940. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual horsepower on this class of lawn mower will be significantly lower.
Chris, they are not simply saying slightly less here, they are saying significantly lower. This is strictly my opinion here, but significantly to me means something in the neighborhood of actual HP being 3-3 1/2. So why wouldn't my 8 hp Tecumseh be rated similarly since all these engines are rated exactly the same way? BTW...Chris, I hope this doesn't mean you're going to fire me for not agreeing on one point 
Richie
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Richie
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Briggs & Stratton Engine HP Disclaimer
Reply #10 Feb 16, 2005 8:39 pm |
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Well believe me, if the Boss fired everyone for disagreeing with him, I'd be out of a job along, long time ago...
Hey Sherri,
That's good to know, thanks. Hey, I love working on the old stuff, I'll get that Saw and Generator working in no time. BTW...I'm actually buried under all that stuff. The other day, while kneeling down trying to clean the place up, someone rolled a big heavy snowblower over my back and pinned me there. I wish someone would come and help me, the tire chains are still digging into the back of my head
Richie
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